Q: What does “training-first” mean at Kraken’s Lair Diving? A: It means we prioritize skill mastery, comfort, and safety over speed. You’ll progress when you’re ready—not when the calendar says so.
Q: What training agencies do you teach through? A: We deliver PADI courses across recreational and professional tracks, and we integrate DAN best practices for dive safety, emergency readiness, and risk reduction.
Q: How is your training different from a typical “fast certification” course? A: Smaller groups, more coaching, and higher standards. We focus on buoyancy, trim, situational awareness, and calm problem-solving—so you don’t just get certified, you get capable.
Q: What is your student-to-instructor approach? A: Boutique by design. We keep ratios tight, typically no more than four students per instructor and adjust the pace to the student, with extra time where it matters most (buoyancy, ascents/descents, mask skills, and emergency skills).
Q: Do you include real-world Florida Keys conditions in training? A: Yes. We train for the environment you’ll actually dive—currents, entries/exits, boat procedures, navigation, and local best practices.
Q: What if I’m nervous or haven’t been in the water in a while? A: Perfect. We specialize in building confidence. We’ll meet you where you are and coach you forward in a supportive, professional way.
Q: Do I need my own gear to start? A: Not necessarily—but we’ll help you get properly fitted and configured. We offer premium gear options from ScubaPro, Aqualung, Apeks, Mares, and other leading brands so your setup matches your goals.
Q: What’s the end goal of your training? A: Confident divers who can plan dives, maintain control in the water, communicate well with a buddy, and handle problems calmly.
Charter Cancellation & Refund FAQ
Q: What is your charter cancellation policy? A: Cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to your scheduled charter departure time are eligible for a refund to the original form of payment; cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure, as well as no-shows or missed departures, are charged at the full price because your seat is reserved and cannot typically be rebooked on short notice. If the charter is canceled by the operator due to weather or safety conditions, you may choose to reschedule (based on availability) or receive a refund.
Q: How is the 24-hour window calculated? A: It’s based on the scheduled charter departure time. If you cancel at least 24 hours before that time, you qualify for a refund.
Q: What if I cancel within 24 hours due to a personal emergency? A: Because your spot is reserved and seats are limited, cancellations inside 24 hours are non-refundable and charged at full price.
Q: What if I’m late or miss the boat (no-show)? A: No-shows or missed departures are treated as a cancellation within 24 hours and are charged at the full price.
Q: Can I reschedule instead of canceling? A: If you contact us more than 24 hours in advance, we’ll do our best to reschedule you based on availability. If you contact us within 24 hours, the charter is still charged at full price.
Q: What happens if the charter is canceled due to weather or safety conditions? A: If the charter is canceled by the operator due to weather/safety, you may choose a refund or reschedule (based on availability).
Q: How do I cancel? A: Please cancel by phone/text/email using the contact info on your confirmation. Your cancellation time is the time we receive the message.
Q: How and when will refunds be issued? A: Eligible refunds are issued back to the original form of payment. Processing time depends on your bank/card issuer.
Q: Do you offer discounts for Military members? A: Yes. We offer Military discounts on select training, charters, and gear where allowed.
Q: Do you offer discounts for dive professionals (PADI Pros / active instructors / divemasters)? A: Yes. We offer dive professional discounts on select items and services where allowed.
Q: Can I combine the Military discount with the Dive Professional discount? A: No. Discounts cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one discount, you may choose the single best applicable discount for that purchase.
Q: What items are eligible for discounts? A: Discount eligibility depends on manufacturer rules, MAP (minimum advertised price) policies, and product margins. Some items may be excluded or have limited discounting.
Q: Why are some products excluded or discounted less?
A: Certain products have tight margins or manufacturer pricing restrictions. To keep inventory available and service levels high, discounts may be limited on these items.
Q: Do discounts apply to sale/clearance items or packages? A: Typically, sale/clearance items and special bundles are already priced aggressively and may be excluded from additional discounts (or limited to one discount).
Q: Do discounts apply to services like training and charters? A: Sometimes—eligibility varies by season, capacity, and program. When offered, discounts still cannot be combined.
Q: What proof is required? A: We may request valid ID (e.g., military ID/veteran verification or current professional membership/credentials) at checkout or check-in.
Q: Who decides which discount applies? A: You choose the best single discount, and we’ll confirm eligibility and apply it to qualifying items only.
Product Returns FAQ (14-Day Policy)
Q: What is your return policy? A: We accept returns of new, unused products in original packaging (with all tags, manuals, and included parts) within 14 days of purchase (unless otherwise noted).
Q: What condition must the item be in? A: Items must be unused, unworn, and in resalable condition, with all original components. Items showing wear, water use, damage, odor, or missing parts may be refused.
Q: Do I need a receipt? A: Yes—please provide your receipt or order confirmation for any return or exchange.
Q: Are any items non-returnable? A: Yes. For safety and hygiene reasons, the following are typically non-returnable (especially if opened/used): used gear, life-support/breathing-gas equipment, hygiene items (e.g., mouthpieces, snorkels, worn exposure items), consumables (batteries, cartridges, chemicals), and custom/special orders. Sale/clearance items may be final sale.
Q: Can I return something that’s been in the water once? A: No—items that have been used or in the water are not eligible for return.
Q: Can I exchange an item instead of returning it? A: Yes—eligible items can be reminded/exchanged within 14 days, subject to condition requirements and availability.
Q: How are refunds issued? A: Approved refunds are issued to the original form of payment. Your bank/card issuer may take additional time to post the credit.
Q: What about shipping for online orders? A: Original shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is generally the customer’s responsibility unless the return is due to our error or a verified defect.
Q: What if my item is defective? A: If an item is defective, we’ll assist with the fastest resolution—exchange, warranty support, or service evaluation—based on the manufacturer’s policy.
Q: How do I start a return? A: Contact us with your order number, the item(s) you want to return, and the reason. We’ll confirm eligibility and provide return instructions.
Affiliate Instructor FAQ (Kraken’s Lair Diving)
Q: What is an Affiliate Instructor with Kraken’s Lair Diving? A: An Affiliate Instructor is an independent dive professional who partners with Kraken’s Lair Diving to teach, guide, and support student divers under our boutique, training-first standards—while operating as a self-directed professional.
Q: Is this a W-2 employee position? A: No. Affiliate Instructors work as independent contractors (1099). You control your schedule and availability, and you’re paid per the agreed compensation terms for services delivered.
Q: What certifications and prerequisites are required? A: You must hold current professional-level credentials appropriate for the services you provide (e.g., PADI Instructor/Divemaster as applicable), maintain current first aid/CPR and any required agency memberships, and meet Kraken’s Lair Diving standards for professionalism and safety.
Q: Do I need my own professional liability insurance? A: In most cases, yes—Affiliate Instructors are expected to maintain their own professional liability coverage as required by their agency and role.
Q: Can I be added to Kraken’s Lair Diving’s group liability policy? A: When eligible and available, Affiliate Instructors may be able to join Kraken’s Lair Diving group liability program (if offered by the carrier and meeting all requirements). Any participation is subject to insurer approval, documentation, role scope, and payment of applicable premiums/fees.
Q: What’s the process to onboard as an Affiliate Instructor? A: Typically: verification of credentials and training status, review of Kraken’s Lair Diving standards/SOPs, paperwork (1099 agreement and required forms), insurance validation (individual or group eligibility), and a checkout/orientation for local procedures and quality expectations.
Q: What do Affiliate Instructors get in return for partnering with Kraken’s Lair Diving? A: Benefits may include:
Boutique, training-first shop support and consistent standards
Potential access to Kraken’s Lair Diving’s student pipeline and marketing channels
Access to gear discounts on select brands/items (subject to manufacturer rules, MAP policies, and margin limitations)
Ability to earn commission on gear sales (details below)
Q: How do gear discounts work for Affiliate Instructors? A: Eligible Affiliate Instructors may receive pro/affiliate pricing on select equipment and accessories. Discount level and eligibility depend on manufacturer pricing rules and product margins, and some items may be excluded (e.g., MAP-restricted products, sale items, limited-availability inventory).
Q: Do Affiliate Instructors earn commission on gear sales? A: Yes—Affiliate Instructors may earn commission on qualifying gear sold through Kraken’s Lair Diving when the instructor is the referring or selling party. Commission applies to eligible products and is based on margin and program rules (some items may be excluded or capped due to MAP/margin constraints).
Q: How is gear commission tracked? A: Commission is typically tracked through: referral attribution at checkout, quote/invoice records, or customer notes tied to the instructor. Accurate attribution requires the instructor to be associated with the sale at the time of purchase.
Q: Can I sell gear directly to my students? A: Sales are processed through Kraken’s Lair Diving so customers receive correct warranties, service support, and compliant pricing. Affiliate Instructors can recommend and facilitate purchases, and earn commission when applicable.
Q: What about courses I bring to Kraken’s Lair Diving? A: If you bring student business to Kraken’s Lair Diving, we can structure compensation consistent with the affiliate agreement (training payout, guiding pay, or profit/commission terms depending on the service).
Q: What standards are expected of Affiliate Instructors? A: Professional conduct, training-first delivery, strong risk management, adherence to PADI standards and Kraken’s Lair Diving SOPs, accurate student documentation, and a commitment to a high-quality customer experience.
Q: Can I teach under my own schedule and still use Kraken’s Lair Diving logistics? A: Yes—subject to scheduling coordination for pools/boats/classroom, availability of staff support, and alignment with our training quality standards.
Q: How do I apply or start the conversation? A: Reach out with your pro credentials, insurance status, and the type of work you want to do (teaching, guiding, specialties, pro pathway support). We’ll align expectations and confirm eligibility.